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A CHARITY working to improve the lives of visually impaired people in Cambridgeshire has received a donation of over £200,000 via Buckles Solicitors LLP.

Cam Sight, which provides people living with low vision and blindness with the tools, advice, and training needed to live more independent lives was bequeathed £219,822 from a local farmer.

Charles Sell left the substantial donation to charity in his Will, after going blind later in life and wanting his estate to be used for the ‘relief of suffering caused by blindness.’

His estate was left to a charitable trust, which appointed Buckles as trustees, which in turn used his estate to benefit several blind charities including Cam Sight.

Private client partner Karl Dembicki from Buckles Solicitors in Peterborough officially handed over the cheque to the charity during a recent presentation at its Cambridge head quarters.

He said: “This is undoubtedly one of the largest single amounts bequeathed to a charity with which Buckles has been involved.

‘It has been our pleasure to meet the final wishes of Mr Sell, whose legacy will continue through the work of the charity.”

Cam Sight also offers counselling, befriending, and accessible sport activities to improve mental and physical well-being.

Flóra Raffai, chief executive of the charity said: “This donation will be used to continue and grow three of Cam Sight’s services.

“The costs of our volunteering service, which sees 350+ volunteers generously give their time, have been covered for a year.

“The donation will allow us to provide peer support groups, outings, and family support to children living with low vision and blindness around the county.

“And finally, we will be able to set up a brand new digital offering for our community, building an information hub that allows our members to access up-to-date, relevant, local information and advice beyond our opening hours. We are immensely grateful for this very generous donation and look forward to fulfilling Mr Sell’s wishes.”

Paula Bird, Cam Sight income generation manager;
Flóra Raffai, Cam Sight chief executive; Karl Dembicki, Buckles Solicitors LLP partner; Nicholas Burr, Cam Sight fundraising and promotions officer with Amber the guide dog.